by Mario Depeine Sr

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

Energy conservation and cost reduction is becoming such important concepts these days. Everyday we become increasingly sensitive to the effects of global warming. We see daily, the increasing costs of gasoline. With these reminders, we can't help but wonder, what "can I do to reduce energy usage and save money?"

*During the summer months, close curtains in windows where you are likely to have a lot of sunshine. During the day, the sun's rays will heat up a room very quickly. The air gets very warm and a lot of heat gets trapped in. This would result in the increased use of an air conditioning system or unit to lower the temperature of the room. The close curtains will keep a room cooler during the day. In the evening when the sun starts to set, you may reopen the curtains.

*During the winter months. Instead of closing the curtains during the day, leave them open. This way, you will allow the sun's rays to warm the air and the room while the sun is out. This will reduce the use of your heating unit. This method of using the sun's rays will serve as a supplemental source of heat energy.

*Use a programmable thermostat for your heating and air-conditioning. During the winter months, program your thermostat so that it is cool (67 degrees) while you are out during the day and when you are under a blanket at night.

*For the summer months, set your thermostat at a higher level (85 degrees) during the day (not much cooling needed) and a lower setting for when you are about to return home from work.

*Use foam to insulate heating and hot water pipes. Lower your water temperature for your hot water tank. When going on vacation, use the "vacation" setting so that there is less energy used. After all, while you are away, you will not need to use "hot" water.

*Consider converting your traditional bulbs with the energy star bulbs. You can purchase bulbs that produce lots of light (100 watts worth) while using very little wattage of power. Typically, these bulbs use about 15 watts per bulb. You can have a "100 watt" bulb that only uses 15 watts of power! So in a house that uses 10 bulbs, you can have a total of 150 total watts used. Normally, that wattage total for 10 bulbs would have been about 750 (75 watt bulbs) to 1500 (100 watt bulbs) watts of power. The energy star ( http://www.energystar.gov/) bulbs are relatively inexpensive when you consider the savings and the reduced energy consumption.

*Finally, unplug appliances like televisions, computers, DVD players when not in use. These are still consuming power when they are turned "off." They are actually on "standby." Also, turn off lights in rooms that are unoccupied.

If you put these energy saving and cost cutting ideas to work, you will see significant reductions in your energy bills.

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